Mobile navigation

Utility menu

Platypus census

For more than 20 years we've recorded platypus numbers every autumn and spring. Help build a better understanding of this elusive animal by reporting your own platypus sightings.

​Spotted a platypus?

Platypus can be found in rivers and creeks throughout Melbourne — but being very shy creatures, it's difficult to know how many live in a specific waterway. With your help, we can build our knowledge of local platypus populations and manage our waterways to support them into the future.

The best time to spot platypus is at dawn and dusk during autumn and spring, but you can see them at any time. Submit your sightings, observations and photos of platypus through our:

Water sampling

We're working with community groups along Monbulk Creek and Werribee River to track platypus populations using environmental DNA (eDNA). This involves collecting water samples in spring and autumn and analysing them for fragments of platypus DNA. Please contact us if you would like to be involved in this program.

Learn how we can survey platypus from just a water sample! This film demonstrates the platypus environmental DNA collection process for citizen scientists.